Parallel Magazine’s latest special print and digital issue captures Tiwa Savage in the Burroughs of Brooklyn as she grants an exclusive look into her career, being a mother, her continuous ascension into the echelon of great musicians, and life beyond the lights.

This issue reveals Tiwa’s ability to easily govern the worlds of her stardom and normal life showing that her true versatility lies not only in her seamless ability to sing and dance with the same intensity but to live a balanced life.

Here are excerpts from the interview.

On her privacy: The art has made me a little bit more reserved because I am wearier of people and situations…I think twice before I maybe dance spontaneously in the streets because people will judge and not understand.

On African music: As a whole, if we come together as CEOs, video directors, photographers, and models all strategically placed in pockets, we can stand up and properly represent the African culture.

On never getting complacent with her success: To me, I always feel like I am still starting out…I still have so much to achieve.

On balancing career and motherhood: Sometimes people think that as an African woman, you’ve given birth and will never bounce back as before…when people say things like that they think it is supposed to tear you down but it actually does the opposite for me…It actually makes me want to prove you wrong.